Matcha tea is much more than a trendy drink: it is a Japanese green tea powder rich in bioactive compounds. Unlike regular green tea, you consume the whole leaf, ground into a powder, which increases the amount of beneficial compounds.
In this article, we explore the benefits of matcha, the scientific evidence behind these benefits, and how it is incorporated into the Zenit matcha tea energy ball.
In short
- Matcha is a powder made from whole leaves of shade-grown green tea.
- It contains caffeine and L-theanine, a combination associated with a state of “alert calm.”
- It is rich in catechins, including EGCG, which are antioxidants.
- Studies on concentration are promising, but still limited.
- Ideal in the morning or before a workout for gentle energy.
What is matcha?
Matcha is a green tea powder made from shade-grown Camellia sinensis leaves, which increases their levels of certain compounds such as L-theanine and catechins. Unlike brewed tea, where the leaves are discarded, drinking matcha means consuming the whole leaf.
Studied benefits of matcha
1. Attention, concentration, and mental clarity
Matcha contains a combination of caffeine and L-theanine, an amino acid associated with alpha brain waves and a state of alert calm, ideal for concentration. Some studies suggest that matcha may slightly improve attention and certain aspects of memory, but more research is needed.
2. Antioxidant
Matcha is rich in catechins, including EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), a polyphenol with antioxidant effects. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals and protect cells from oxidative stress.
3. Cardiometabolic health
Some evidence suggests that green tea catechins may help improve lipid profiles, but evidence in humans remains limited, especially for matcha specifically.
4. More compounds per serving
Because matcha contains the whole leaf, it provides more bioactive compounds per serving than brewed green tea.
When to consume matcha (or the Zenit matcha ball)?
- In the morning or before physical activity, for gentle energy;
- As a snack, to avoid dips in concentration;
- In homemade recipes (smoothies, bowls) for a nutritious boost.
Its combination of caffeine and L-theanine may help maintain energy with less nervousness than some caffeinated drinks. To learn more, read our article on natural pre-workout.
In summary
Matcha tea is a concentrated source of bioactive compounds, with potential effects on energy, attention, and overall health. With the Zenit matcha tea energy ball, we offer you a simple, nutritious, and delicious way to enjoy its benefits every day. 💚
Frequently asked questions
Does matcha contain caffeine?
Yes. A cup of matcha generally contains 30 to 70 mg of caffeine, depending on the amount of powder, along with L-theanine.
What is the difference between matcha and green tea?
Matcha is the whole green tea leaf ground into a powder: you consume the entire leaf, which provides more bioactive compounds than brewed green tea.
When should you eat the matcha tea energy ball?
In the morning, before a workout, or as a snack for gentle energy and concentration.
Danielle Dubois, Dt.P., nutritionist
Member of the Ordre des diététistes-nutritionnistes du Québec
Founder of Zenit Nutrition
References
- Kochman J, Jakubczyk K, Antoniewicz J, et al. Health Benefits and Chemical Composition of Matcha Green Tea: A Review. Molecules. 2021;26(1):85. PMC7796401
- The therapeutic potential of matcha tea: a critical review on human and animal studies. PMC9792400
- Matcha green tea beverage and gut microbiota. PMC10017316
- Catechins: antioxidant properties of green tea polyphenols (EGCG). PMC9820274